Summary: Triggers to claiming Personal Independence Payment
Published 2 May 2025
Applies to England, Scotland and Wales
© Crown copyright 2025
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Background
DWP experienced a noticeable and sustained increase in new Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims during October 2021. Using qualitative methodology, the present research sought to investigate the drivers behind this increase.
Findings
Most people cited multiple health conditions, often a combination of mental and physical conditions.
People were recently made aware of PIP through contact with formal services (including Jobcentre Plus) friends and family. Few participants mentioned media or social media.
Health deterioration, financial hardship and employment concerns were the main triggers for PIP application. Few participants mentioned the loss of the £20 UC uplift or the ending of the furlough scheme.
People cited travel, daily living, utilities and household costs as their intended uses for PIP.
Conclusions
Regarding which conditions PIP claimants declare, most people cite multiple health conditions, often a combination of mental and physical conditions. Regarding where claimants heard about PIP, people were recently made aware of PIP through contact with formal services (including Jobcentre Plus) friends and family. Few participants mentioned media or social media. Regarding what circumstances trigger a claim, health deterioration, financial hardship and employment concerns were the main triggers for PIP application. Finally, regarding how claimants think PIP will be helpful, individuals cite daily living, utilities and household costs as primary targets for their potential PIP award.
Key messages
Claimants are continuing to present with a wide range of conditions.
Poor mental health was prevalent, and most people relied on multiple carers.
People were recently made aware of PIP through their contact with formal services including Jobcentre Plus.
Main triggers for PIP application were health deterioration, financial hardship and employment concerns. Individuals may have been previously eligible, however their claim was triggered by a recent decay in circumstances.
Individuals were keen to receive validation of their disabled status and saw PIP as a means to achieve this.
Most individuals cited financial support as the driving ‘purpose’ of PIP.
People cited daily living, utilities, household costs and transport as their intended uses for PIP.
The process of form filling, health assessment, and corresponding wait times provoked anxiety.
Recommendations
Continue and expand work by Disability Services Advocacy Team to raise awareness of PIP, with public/third sector services and the general public. This could include:
- wider publication of distinct travel benefits for disabled people (i.e. separate to PIP and Motability)
- promote the Access to Work passports to facilitate continued employment
- promoting the GOV.UK eligibility checker for individuals to use prior to applying for PIP